Every trading day, be ready to attack the market instead of reacting to the
market.

You will know where the key technical resistance and support levels are and what
the market is likely to do next. iStock will arm you with a target list of stocks
to buy and sell - right now - based on our exclusive, proprietary trading models.
You will also receive monthly ETF model portfolio and trend trader model portfolio

Two Week FREE Trial

Northrop Grumman Delivers First Communications Payload for U.S. Air Force's Enhanced Polar System

Monday, February 25, 2013 3:48 PM

REDONDO BEACH, Calif., Feb. 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has delivered the first of two protected communications payloads for the U.S. Air Force's Enhanced Polar System (EPS) that will provide continuous coverage in the north polar region for secure, jam-resistant, strategic and tactical military communications.

The extremely high frequency (EHF) payload leverages protected communications technologies the company developed for the Air Force's Advanced EHF (AEHF) satellite payloads on a smaller scale to meet reduced mission requirements for EPS. The first payload delivered will become part of an overall EPS network planned to replace the Interim Polar System currently on orbit and serve as a polar adjunct to AEHF.

"Because EPS takes advantage of technologies we developed for Advanced EHF satellite payloads, such as the eXtended Data Rate waveform, we are developing these payloads at a fraction of the time and cost," said Tim Frei, vice president, communication systems, for the company's Aerospace Systems sector. "Mission success for EPS is greatly enhanced by the government's leveraging of Northrop Grumman's AEHF payload designs, processes, facilities and people."

Frei said delivery of the first EPS protected communications payload "demonstrates that AEHF-like anti-jam capabilities can be scaled to meet a range of requirements from various customers, providing a pathway for disaggregated satellite architectures that have the potential to make protected communications affordable and available for many more users."

Both EPS payloads feature onboard processing units similar to those on AEHF satellites but are modified to meet reduced mission requirements, said Frei. The payloads integrate functions of the Configurable On board Router, Demodulator and Resource Control Computer / Security Equipment Computer on AEHF payloads into a single eXtended Data Rate Processing Unit on EPS, for example.

For the same reason, certain components essential for AEHF payloads, such as crosslinks, nulling antennas and phased array antennas, are not included on EPS payloads, Frei said.

"Flexible, scalable payload capabilities now available can provide constant, assured, jam-resistant, covert communications for tactical and strategic warfighters in all wartime conditions," he added.

Payload development began in 2008; the Air Force plans initial operational capability for EPS for Calendar Year 2018. EPS consists of two EHF payloads hosted on classified satellites, a gateway to connect modified Navy Multiband Terminals to other communication systems, and a control and planning segment.

The MILSATCOM directorate at the Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is acquiring the mission control and gateway segments.

Northrop Grumman has provided sophisticated and robust protected satellite communications payloads with increasing, highly secure connectivity to U.S. military forces for nearly 30 years. As the only company with this capability, Northrop Grumman delivers survivable communications that help achieve information superiority.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cybersecurity, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

Fundamental data is provided by Zacks
Investment Research, and Commentary, news and Press Releases provided by
YellowBrix and Quotemedia.
All information provided "as is" for informational purposes only, not
intended for trading purposes or advice. iStockAnalyst.com is not an investment
adviser and does not provide, endorse or review any information or data contained
herein.
The blog articles are opinions by respective blogger. By using this site you are
agreeing to terms and conditions posted on respective bloggers' website.
The postings/comments on the site may or may not be from reliable sources. Neither
iStockAnalyst nor any of its independent providers is liable for any informational
errors, incompleteness, or delays, or for any actions taken in reliance on information
contained herein. You are solely responsible for the investment decisions made by
you and the consequences resulting therefrom. By accessing the iStockAnalyst.com
site, you agree not to redistribute the information found therein.
The sector scan is based on 15-30 minutes delayed data. The Pattern scan is based
on EOD data.